Study Start and Service

We look forward to welcoming you to the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar for the 2026/27 winter semester! To ensure you are prepared for the start of your studies, we recommend taking care of important matters well in advance. This will allow you to start your first semester feeling relaxed and get to know the university and Weimar. If you have any questions, we are happy to help and support you in making a successful start to this new chapter in your life.

Enrollment Less More

For applicants from abroad, there are further steps to be taken to ensure a smooth start to your studies.

Please take care of your visa first and enrol only after securing the visa!

In order to be able to enter Germany to study, you will need a student visa. You should apply for this as soon as possible at your local German embassy. All important information can be found on the website of the FEDERAL FOREIGN OFFICE 🡢

To successfully obtain a visa, you also need to create a so-called SPEAR ACCOUNT 🡢

HEALTH INSURANCE 🡢 is compulsory for studying at a German university. During the enrollment process, you must prove that you are insured with a German public health insurance company. If you have taken out insurance with an appropriate health insurance company, they will send proof of this to the university.

As soon as you have been admitted, APPLY FOR A PLACE IN A HALL OF RESIDENCE 🡢 as soon as possible and in the German embassy.

In order to finalize your enrolment for the winter semester 2026/27, please submit the required documents by 31 March 2026 at the latest through the BAUHAUS.CAMPUSPORTAL 🡢. Please have the following documents ready for online enrolment:

Passport-sized photo for the chipcard (Thoska)
Proof of your health insurance*
Proof of payment of SEMESTER CONTRIBUTION 🡢 including the fees for the initial issue of the Thoska chip card. Please note: The semester fee should only be transferred once you have received your visa. Otherwise a refund cannot be guaranteed in the case of non-arrival.
If applicable, certificate of exmatriculation from university(s) in Germany only previously attended

* If you have been granted conditional admission with “Nachreichung einer Feststellungsprüfung,” please contact the preparatory college directly. The nearest preparatory college is in Nordhausen. You can find out more about the procedure on the following website: https://www.hs-nordhausen.de/en/international/state-university-college. Once you have passed the assessment test, please contact us again for information on enrolment.

* Applicants who have been admitted for the following study programs can generally enrol in the following semester: Digital Engineering (Master), Human Computer Interaction (Master), Computer Science for Digital Media (Master), Bauingenieurwesen (Master), Umweltingenieurwissenschaften (Master), Management [Bau Immobilien Infrastruktur] (Master), Baustoffingenieurwissenschaft (Master).

To do so, they must reapply for the upcoming semester directly via the Campus Portal. Once this application has been formally received, a current letter of admission and a letter of support for the embassy will be provided as soon as possible. After receiving the visa, the enrolment can then be requested via the portal.

As soon as your documents have been received online in full, you will receive your enrolment documents and further information after your arrival in Weimar in person as part of the Welcome Days organized by the International Office. You will then be a student at the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar from April 1 (summer semester) or October 1 (winter semester).

Note for international students residing outside Germany: If you are not able to arrive by the start of the semester, please contact us immediately. This is the only way we can refund the semester fee you have already paid and cancel your enrolment before April 1st for summer semester and October 1st for winter semester.

Please note that you will not be refunded the semester fee if you do not arrive. If you have transferred the semester fee and cannot attend, an application for a refund must be submitted. Unfortunately, a transfer to the following semester is not possible. If you have registered with the health insurance company, you must pay the contributions for the entire semester. A refund is only possible if you exmatriculate within the first month of the semester.

Start of the summer semester: 1 April 2026.

* You are obliged to take out health insurance in Germany. The statutory health insurance providers in Germany offer an affordable tariff for students up to 29 years of age or until the end of their 14th subject-related semester. Students who reach the age of 30 while studying in Germany and who are not insured for at least 12 months in the student tariff cannot switch to the statutory health insurance for students. The student tariff comes to around 110 EUR a month and is available until you are 30 years old or have completed your 14th subject-related semester.

Nachweis der studentischen Krankenversicherungspflicht Less More

Jeder Studierende muss krankenversichert sein. Das bedeutete, dass für die Immatrikulation an der Bauhaus-Universität Weimar eine gültige Krankenversicherung nachzuweisen ist. Keine Einschreibung ohne Nachweis des Krankenversicherungsstatus. Seit dem 01.01.2022 gilt an der Bauhaus-Universität Weimar das elektronische Studierenden-Meldeverfahren (SMV) der gesetzlichen Krankenversicherungen. Meldungen in Papierform können nicht mehr entgegengenommen werden.

Um Ihren Krankenversicherungsstatus nachzuweisen, gilt

- für Bewerber*innen mit deutscher Staatsangehörigkeit: Bitten Sie Ihre gesetzliche Krankenkasse, der Bauhaus-Universität Weimar (unsere Absendenummer H0000493 angeben) eine elektronische Meldung (M10) über Ihren Versicherungsstatus zu übermitteln, dazu kontaktieren Sie bitte Ihre gesetzliche Krankenkasse - je eher desto besser - Spätestens bis zum 30.09. muss die M10 vorliegen.

- Studierende, die ihre gesetzliche Krankenkasse wechseln: Damit die nächste Rückmeldung reibungslos erfolgen kann, benötigen wir von Ihrer neuen Krankenkasse eine elektronische Meldung über den Krankenkassenwechsel (M11). Bitte geben Sie dazu unsere Absendenummer H0000493 an.

- Privat versicherte Studierende in Deutschland wenden sich bitte an eine "beliebige" gesetzliche Krankenversicherung und lassen Sie sich ggf. von der Versicherungspflicht befreien. Sie können frei wählen, welche gesetzliche Krankenkasse diese Meldung übernehmen soll. Bitte geben Sie dazu unsere Absendenummer H0000493 an.

Hinweis: Die Befreiung wird für die gesamte Dauer des Studiums und kann nicht widerrufen werden.

- Internationale Studierende: Abhängig von Ihrem Heimatland und davon, ob Sie in einer gesetzlichen oder in einer privaten Krankenkasse versichert sind, treffen unterschiedliche Bedingungen für eine Krankenversicherung in Deutschland zu. Sollten Sie eine andere Art der Krankenversicherung besitzen, bei der es sich nicht um eine gesetzliche Krankenversicherung bei einer Krankenkasse in Deutschland handelt, muss diese von einer gesetzlichen Krankenkasse in Deutschland geprüft werden. Dies trifft auch für alle Krankenversicherungen zu, die Sie in Ihrem Heimatland möglicherweise im Vorfeld abgeschlossen haben. Wenden Sie sich VOR Immatrikulation - je eher desto besser - an eine beliebige deutsche Krankenversicherung und lassen Sie sich umfassend beraten.

Die Krankenkassen melden an die Hochschulen:

Versicherungsstatus der Studierenden (M10)
Beginn der Versicherung bei Krankenkassenwechsel (M11)
Verzug mit der Zahlung der Krankenkassenbeiträge, automatische SPERRE für die Rückmeldung an der Bauhaus-Universität Weimar (M12)
Begleichung der rückständigen Krankenkassenbeiträge durch den Studierenden, löst automatisch die Rückmeldesperre an der Bauhaus-Universität Weimar (M13)

Die Hochschule meldet an die Krankenkassen:

Beginn des Studiums und den Tag der Einschreibung an der Bauhaus-Universität Weimar (M20)
Ablauf des Semesters, indem oder mit Wirkung dessen Ablauf die Exmatrikulation erfolgt/erfolgte (M30)

Information on the Semester Contribution Less More

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR NEW STUDENTS: Please note that, in addition to the standard Semester Contribution (338.20 euros), all first-year students and new enrolments are required to pay a one-off fee of 20.00 euros for the Thoska student ID card. Please therefore transfer a total of 358.20 euros. You can enroll until 30 September 2026. To do so, apply for matriculation via the BAUHAUS.CAMPUSPORTAL 🡢 and, at the same time, please pay the Semester Contribution.

The Thoska fee (20 euros) does not apply in case of a change of degree programme or a switch from a Bachelor’s to a Master’s degree within the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar, nor does it apply to Erasmus+ students.

For students already enrolled at the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar, the Semester Contribution for the 2026/27 winter semester is 338.20 euros and must be paid within the re-enrolment period (payment must be received by 31 August 2026 at the latest) .

The Semester Contribution comprises:

€95.00 basic fee for the Studierendenwerk
€226.80 ‘Deutschland-Semesterticket’
€16.40 contribution to the Student Council, including a ticket for the DEUTSCHES NATIONALTHEATER WEIMAR 🡢 and a ticket for museums and attractions run by the Klassik Stiftung Weimar 🡢
plus a one-off fee of 20.00 euros for the Thoska student ID card (applies ONLY to first-time and new enrolments; NOT in the case of a change of degree programme or a switch from a Bachelor’s to a Master’s degree within the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar, nor for exchange students, e.g. via the ERASMUS+ Programme)

The Semester Contribution, together with any long-term study fees and, where applicable, a late payment fee, must be paid into the following account:

Bauhaus-Universität Weimar
BIC: HELA DE FF 820
IBAN: DE52 8205 0000 3001 1113 13

Reference: Name, matriculation number or full name (for first-time enrolments at Bauhaus-Universität Weimar)

For certain reasons, you may be exempt from the obligation to pay fees or be entitled to a refund of the Semester Contribution. Applications for a refund of the Semester Contribution can only be submitted to the Studierendenwerk Thüringen. These must be submitted by 30 September for the coming winter semester and by 31 March for the coming summer semester. Applications are processed in accordance with the Studierendenwerk’s fee regulations. Refunds after the start of the semester are only possible in exceptional cases. Proposals for a refund must be submitted in person at the INFOtake (dining hall, Ground Floor).

Late payment fee
If you miss the payment deadline for re-enrolment or a leave of absence (payment must be received by 31 August 2026 at the latest for the 2026 winter semester), you must expect to be de-registered. Subsequent re-enrolment or leave of absence is only possible if you have a valid reason. If the reason for the delay is recognized, a late payment fee of 20 euros must be paid. First-time and newly enrolled students do not have to pay a late payment fee.

Thoska Less More

The Thuringian University and Student Services Card (thoska) is the student and staff ID card for the universities in Weimar.

Functions of the thoska

In addition to the following functions, you can find further information on the range of services offered by the thoska in conjunction with the Semester Contribution HERE 🡢

Student ID card
Staff ID
Library card
Means of payment in dining halls and cafeterias, as well as for fee-based courses (e.g. sports courses)
Please note! From the winter semester 2024, the Thoska will no longer be available as a travel pass (for any questions regarding the ‘Deutschlandticket’, further information is available via the following link: Semester Ticket – Studierendenwerk Thüringen 🡢
Access card for selected buildings and rooms (once activated)

Extending the validity of the Thoska

The validity (validation) of your student ID card can be extended at the self-service terminals at the start of each new semester. Top-ups can only be made using a currently valid Thoska.

Validation terminals:

Marienstraße 15b, (foyer of the dining hall am Park)
University Library, Steubenstraße 6 (lower foyer)
Campus.Office, Geschwister-Scholl-Straße 15 (Tuesday to Thursday 10 am–2 pm)

Loss of the Thoska

Any loss or damage to the thoska must be reported immediately to the Student Office (Campus.Office). If you find a lost thoska, please hand it in at the Campus.Office (or in the postbox if necessary) or at the INFOtake in the foyer of the dining hall.

The credit balance on a lost card should be treated in the same way as the contents of a wallet. If you lose it, unfortunately the money is gone too. The credit balance on faulty or recovered chip cards will be transferred to the cardholder’s bank account upon proposal. The proposal must be submitted at the INFOtake, together with the card in question.

Data protection

Only the minimum necessary data is stored on the chip. This is stored in separate sectors, each of which can only be accessed with a specific key. This ensures that, for each specific application, only the data field required for that application can be read. Only numbers and figures are stored.

These are the student registration number or staff number, library user number, status code and validity period. The status code consists of a single digit and, during payment transactions at the Studentenwerk, indicates whether the cardholder is required to pay student, staff or guest rates.
The chip can be read by the card readers from a distance of up to 10 cm.

Cost of the thoska

Students receive the thoska (initial card) for a one-off fee of 20 euros. If the thoska is lost or destroyed through the holder’s own fault, a replacement card will be issued at the Campus.Office for a fee of 10 euros.

Topping up the thoska

At the top-up terminals, you can use an Electronic Cash Card (or cash) to top up the thoska debit card with a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 200 euros.

Locations of top-up terminals

Dining hall (EC card and cash)
Marienstraße 15a, Infothek (EC and cash, open 10am–3pm)
University Library, Steubenstraße 6 (upper foyer, debit card only)

Payment function

Once you have topped up your account, you can make cashless payments:

for services provided by the Studierendenwerk in dining halls and cafeterias
at the University Library for charges,
for photocopying, printing and scanning
for courses at the University Sports Centre (USZ) and the Language Centre (SZ)
for materials and services

Online certificate of enrolment

You can print out as many certificates of enrolment for the current semester as you need online from any computer. To do so, you simply need to be re-enrolled or on leave of absence and log in to the BISON study portal – which also contains the course catalogue – using your university login details. You can also update your address details in this way.

Registering in Weimar Less More

The first place you should go after moving to Weimar is the Resident Registration Office (Bürgerbüro) located at Schwanseestraße 17. For more information and opening hours
» click here

If you have already registered in Weimar, but are moving to a new apartment within the city limits, you must notify the Resident Registration Office within one week after moving to your new address. If you miss the deadline, the Resident Registration Office may slap you with a fine when you show up to register.

When you go to register, be sure to take your personal ID (or passport) and the completed registration form with you. The forms you will find here. It is no longer necessary to show your tenancy contract or statement from your landlord, confirming that you have moved in.

Working Part-Time While Studying Less More

A part-time job can be a good way to finance your studies. Many students seek employment as student assistants in their departments and in the central university facilities. Be sure to check the job openings which are regularly posted by the university.

You can also find other job openings on the job portal operated by the Careers Service and at the Studierendenwerk Thüringen. As a student, you are allowed to earn as much as you wish. However, there are some income restrictions which apply to eligibility requirements for social benefits and financial aid, e.g. BAföG or children’s allowance. Please bear in mind, however, that excessive hours or long commutes to work may significantly prolong your studies or negatively influence your academic performance.

International students are only permitted to work in Germany with a work permit. The work permit allows you to work 120 full days (1 day = 8 hours), which can be spread out over 240 half-days (1/2 day = 4 hours). This allows you to work during semester breaks. You should also keep in mind that if you earn more than 450 Euro a month, you will be subject to higher health insurance premiums.

You should also keep in mind that a job not related to your field of study can have a significant effect on the duration of your studies and cost additional time and energy. It is advisable to find a part-time job in your field, which offers practical experience for you and your subsequent transition to a
career.

Group photo of the scholarship holders on the steps of the university library

Academic regulations available for download

GETTING STARTED FOT STUDIES – Guide for Freshers PDF (5 MB)

Download

Campus Map PDF (402 KB)

Download

Start and end of term
1 October 2026 – 31 March 2027

Lectures and courses
12 October 2026 – 5 February 2027

Student Orientation Week
5 October – 9 October 2026

Matriculation Ceremony
14 October 2026

Project presentations and enrollment for courses, modules, etc.
(Please note the faculty information.)

Semester breaks
Christmas 21 December 2026 – 31 December 2026

Exams
8 February – 19 February 2027
(Please refer to the information on the faculty websites.)

Re-enrollment for the summer semester 2027:
1 January – 28 February 2027